Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?

I mean a system in which people bought insurance by themselves, rather than through govt or their employer.

In addition to potentially lowering overall costs it would get rid of issues involving birth control and abortions. People who wanted coverage for birth control and abortions could just choose a provider that covers them, rather than need a government mandate requiring companies to provide such care.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by braindeadboxer on 10/6/12 at 4:45 pm to benhamin5555)

I agree with an all private insurance system. But what's the big deal with employers offering insurance? Especially private businesses? They shouldn't be required to do it, but if they want to offer it as a perk it doesn't affect anyone outside of that company. I guess you want to cut out bonuses too?

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by RaginCajunz on 10/6/12 at 4:53 pm to braindeadboxer)

quote: But what's the big deal with employers offering insurance?

It gives the employer way to much power over the individual. When I leave my job, I don't have to worry about my house not having insurance or my car not being insured. Making it a 100% private system kills the need for "preexisting condition" allowances. You own your policy, not your employer. It empowers the individual to shop and interjects price sensitivity into the mix driving prices down and increasing competition. It opens up the "insurance pool" from "n" to "N." Win win win win win every way you slice it.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by RaginCajunz on 10/6/12 at 4:56 pm to benhamin5555)

quote:I mean a system in which people bought insurance by themselves, rather than through govt or their employer.

I'm glad others have this thought. It is the only way to fix our system. You would also gain specialized coverage groups. I could see certain insurance groups working up targeted products for people with existing conditions. (i.e. partnering with healthcare groups to offer lower rates and better services within any subset of doctors)

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by benhamin5555 on 10/6/12 at 4:59 pm to RaginCajunz)

quote:It gives the employer way to much power over the individual. When I leave my job, I don't have to worry about my house not having insurance or my car not being insured. Making it a 100% private system kills the need for "preexisting condition" allowances. You own your policy, not your employer. It empowers the individual to shop and interjects price sensitivity into the mix driving prices down and increasing competition. It opens up the "insurance pool" from "n" to "N." Win win win win win every way you slice it.

All truth. Also, it's too hard to fit potentially hundreds or more employees with the same insurance policy. Different people need different coverage plans.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by RaginCajunz on 10/6/12 at 5:02 pm to benhamin5555)

We also need to remove this notion that everything should be nearly free up front. If you get a cold, you should have to pony up the money for a basic checkup and not expect your insurance to pick up the tab. That mindset is driving prices sky high.

How much would automotive insurance cost if you filed a claim every time you changed your oil or fixed a flat?

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by braindeadboxer on 10/6/12 at 5:02 pm to RaginCajunz)

quote:When I leave my job, I don't have to worry about my house not having insurance or my car not being insured

No one makes you leave your job, and no one makes you buy into their insurance plan to start with. Im not bought into my companies plan. I bought my own plan bc I could afford it and wanted to better plan. However it doesn't hurt me a bit that they offer it.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by benhamin5555 on 10/6/12 at 5:08 pm to braindeadboxer)

quote:No one makes you leave your job, and no one makes you buy into their insurance plan to start with. Im not bought into my companies plan. I bought my own plan bc I could afford it and wanted to better plan. However it doesn't hurt me a bit that they offer it.

Actually, it does hurt you a little. The personal plan you bought would probably be cheaper under the private system.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by Cold Pizza on 10/6/12 at 5:11 pm to braindeadboxer)

quote:But what's the big deal with employers offering insurance?

The cost of the insurance provided is not reported on the employee's W-2. The employee doesn't pay income, FICA, ect on it so he/she doesn't "feel" that expense. It's totally free to the employee so he/she has no incentive to spend wisely.

Just change the law so the insurance benefit is taxed like wages. That one change would turn HC on it's head, in a good way.

re: Who agrees that a true free market healthcare system would be best?(Posted by SoulGlo on 10/6/12 at 5:55 pm to benhamin5555)

Get rid of 'coverage' "insurance." Insurance is for shite you cant cover. Its not for routine and minor issues. When employers pay for the coverage, and" insurance" pays just about everything, prices spiral out of control. Government entering the "insurance" business only makes it worse.